Victory Vitamin for August 12

Christianity: Inclusive or Exclusive?

Galatians 3:27-28 NIV
for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. {28} There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Christians are often accused of being closed minded. Not just in terms of our moral stance, but in terms of salvation. We confess that there’s one way of salvation; one way to heaven. Jesus Christ. We confess that because the Bible teaches that. John 14:6 NIV - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Others claim that there are many ways to ‘eternal life’. They say, ‘many paths, one God.’ Well, if there’s ‘one god’, that god might have something to say about that, don’t ya think? Does this ‘one god’ care what we call him/her? Has this ‘one god’ ever revealed anything to us, say in written form? If so, then which revelation is right? They can’t all be right? Is the Koran the Truth? Is the Bible the Truth? They can’t all be the truth because they contain very different teachings.

Galatians 3 reveals God’s will about salvation. Christianity isn’t exclusive. It’s for everyone. There is neither Jew, Greek, slave, free, male, female, all are saved by God’s free gift of grace in Christ. All who are baptized are clothed with Christ. All. That’s pretty inclusive.

The real issue is this, some people want salvation on their own terms without consulting the God who offers it. If we want things on our own terms, then WE don’t really want a God, do we. But I’m rambling…to be continued this Sunday. I hope to see you then!

In Christ, the Way.
Pastor Prigge

This Sunday at Victory (August 17th)
8 and 10:45 a.m. Worship – Christianity: Inclusive or Exclusive?
9:30 a.m. Bible Study – Christian Q and A
12:15 Hog roast – no charge – bring a side dish if you can. If not, come anyway!!
See you then!